How to Choose the Best Double Strollers
A double stroller can make things easier for parents of twins or children of different ages whether you're taking your way to a relaxing walk or for a run in the morning. There are so many options out there to choose from, how do you pick the most appropriate one for your family?
Our newest team member, Kerry, got her stroller testing feet wet with this expandable model that lets you to change the seating arrangement to meet your different needs.
Safety
Your stroller must be secure regardless of whether you're running shopping trips with your kids, going to the zoo or trick-or-treating. That means a sturdy frame and comfortable harnesses for children who sit down, and easy-to-grab handles for toddlers who stand. It should also be able fit through doors, be easy to fold and move, and be easy to move. It should also be affordable.
Every double stroller we tested went through rigorous testing in our laboratory at the zoo, in our lab and on streets in the city. We also took them on family outings to suburban areas. Our lab tests assess the stroller's maneuverability and stability, and ease of steering. We also test the suspension comfort for both the driver and rider and the capacity for weight, seat canopy heights and storage space.
We ask parents for feedback on each model, in addition to the routine safety check carried out by our team. We then take into consideration all of this information when forming our recommendations.
If you're in search of a secure, high-quality stroller, start with our top picks. These strollers can be used in multiple seating options for infant car seats. They can be used as an individual stroller or in tandem and are suitable for children from birth through elementary school.
The best double strollers can expand with your family. They're stylish and sleek, support a variety of customizations, and can accommodate both toddlers and infants in tandem or side-byside (single-file) seating styles. Most also feature a spacious storage basket as well as a telescoping handlebar and one-handed folding mechanisms.
Consider a tandem stroller that has a bench seat at the back to accommodate a third child if you have twins, or a child of similar age. These strollers are great for siblings who want to interact, but might not be able to do so in a standard stroller. They may get into a fight or argue. You'll also find convertible models that allow you to take off the bench seat when your children are ready to go for the ride without a car seat.
Comfort
The most comfortable double strollers come with comfortable child seats that have plenty of padding and support. The top double strollers have ample storage space, spacious footwells and legroom for children, as well as a UPF 50+ canopy that provides fantastic sun protection. The seats should recline at a slight angle to keep children at ease, and they should have calf bars that permit parents to adjust the position of each seat individually. The handlebars should be comfortable and easy to move according to Alli Cavasino, a certified child-passenger safety technician. The handlebars must be close enough to the kids seats that you can reach them and hold onto them. If the handlebars are separated you'll have a difficult in keeping your balance and maintaining good form when pushing them.
The ride should be smooth on rough or rough surfaces. Some of the models we tested have shock absorbers to keep the ride stable. Certain models come with front and back suspension which enhances control and reduces the amount of force needed to push them. The wheels should have a sturdy tread and be made from high-quality rubber.
We looked for the most versatile double strollers that could be used from birth until toddlerhood and beyond. A few of the ones we came across can be set up as side-by-side or tandem strollers, and one of them that we found, the Uppababy Vista v2, can even be transformed into a single-file stroller designed for infants. The model is three times more costly as our top tandem option however, its materials are more durable, and it should last longer.
The most effective double strollers are lightweight and able to be maneuvered for long walks, trips to the zoo or the park as well as for running errands. They're typically wider than single strollers, and as such they might not be able to fit through narrow doorways or store aisles that are crowded. Some of them are more expensive than single-seaters. This is understandable because you get a lot for your price. The models we recommend are suitable for kids and adults alike and will continue to expand with your family.
Convenience
If you're planning to invest the money to buy a double stroller, you'll need one that is easy to push and store. The ideal stroller will be lightweight and fit in the trunk of your car or in the space at home. extra resources should be able navigate rough terrain and take precise turns. Some of the top double strollers come with adjustable calf support, as well as seats that recline, and offer UPF sun protection. The canopy should be wide enough to cover both kids and, if you're concerned about getting the sun in their eyes, opt for one with a peek-aboo window.
The stage and age of your children will determine the kind of stroller you'll need. Parents with twins can opt for a convertible stroller that can accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously parents with an older child and toddler might prefer side-by-side doubles. You'll have to decide if you want an infant stroller that fits through narrow doorways and aisles in grocery stores, or even on planes.
In our Lab tests, we discovered that the top double strollers are reasonably easy to fold and carry. The majority of double strollers fold in one or two steps and are small enough to fit into the majority of cars that are compact. They're also designed to be sturdy when folded, which makes them much easier to put back together.
The best double strollers have convenient parent features such as cups holder for one parent and a large storage basket. You should consider whether the stroller has a lock on the front seat, to prevent the kids from climbing out if they get antsy. Some of the better strollers include a universal car seat adapter and can be converted into an individual-seater model when your children grow.
The price of some of the best double strollers is steep, but they typically have better build quality and resale value than cheaper models. They are also more maneuverable, and are able to handle rough terrain such as city walkways or park trails.
Style
Parents who are looking for a double stroller are looking for more than just a means to transport two kids. They're looking for a light stroller that can be maneuvered with sufficient storage space on the inside and thoughtful features to expand with their children. It should also be easy to push and navigate. Since they will be carrying more than the children, the stroller needs to be easy on their back and shoulders.
The top double strollers are sleek and come with various customization options. They can also be able to accommodate infant car seats to ensure the smooth transition from baby to toddler. They're available in side-by-side or tandem (single-file seating) models and can be light enough for jogging or travel.
Apart from size, one of the most important aspects to consider when parents are shopping for a double stroller is whether or not it will fit through doorways or other narrow spaces. The majority of the strollers that we evaluated for our latest update are able to fit through doors that are 36 inches wide.
Other factors we look at when evaluating the top double strollers is the speed and ease with which they fold and unfold, how big the cargo basket is, how padded the seats are and how adjustable the canopies are. We also take into consideration how comfortable the buckles and seat straps are for children who sit in the stroller, and how easy it is to adjust the height of the handlebars.
Our top selection, Uppababy Vista V2, for instance, is light and offers plenty of storage space for both children. It comes with a parent cup holder, seats that recline independently, and generous UPF 50+ canopy that has peekaboo windows. Its padded seat straps and buckles are among the most comfortable in our tests, and we found the seat to be one of the easiest to fasten for children of all age groups.
If you're still not sure if you're ready to buy a double stroller, Facebook Marketplace and other secondhand-goods sites can often offer excellent used models in good condition for reasonable costs. Be sure to do your research and check for any indications of damage before purchasing.